After 20 years in the business, Marlon Williams is stepping away from the stage. But before he begins his extended break from touring, he’ll perform a run of Aussie shows with his band The Yarra Benders next month. All shows excluding Walyalup/Fremantle will feature accompaniment by kapa haka group Ngā Mātai Pūrua.
Marlon explained to fans, “I’m gonna take some time away for a bit. Probably not ages in the scheme of things, but it’s time to take some time! I’ve been extraordinarily lucky in that my vocational life has always cleaved very closely to my personal aspirations; I’ve always been able to “live my calling”, as it were. For nearly 20 years I’ve explored both the physical and musical world in the company of incredible musicians, songwriters and friends and it’s been an absolute pleasure. The catch with it is that because it’s such a blessing to do what you love, it can be easy to overlook the toll it can take over time, on body and soul.
“The concept of rāhui is central to te Ao Māori and is indeed familiar to most New Zealanders. As Te Aka, the online Māori dictionary defines it, “to put in place a temporary ritual prohibition, closed season, ban, reserve”. Rāhui can be placed by mana whenua on a specific location out of respect of a tragic death in the area rendering it tapu, and they are also put in place in the pure interests of conservation; the idea that resources can be overtapped, and periods of restriction and recovery are essential to the continued wellbeing of those resources. It was this meaning that helped crystallise my thinking about my own personal case; I want to continue doing what I love for as long as possible, and this is the way to do it.”
Speaking of Marlon’s Kiwi roots, if you haven’t listened to his 2025 album Te Whare Tīwekaweka, which he recorded entirely in te reo Maori, get onto it. Te reo Maori is one of the most beautiful languages on the planet, and the music on this album showcases it so beautifully.
Given Marlon’s decision to take a touring hiatus, these shows are likely to have some extra emotion behind them. Get your tickets now, because who knows when you’ll next get the opportunity to see this extraordinary talent live.
5 March 2026 – Taronga Zoo, Eora/Sydney (with Kee’ahn)
6 March 2026 – Royal Botanic Gardens, Naarm/Melbourne (with Emma Donovan and Kee’ahn)
7 March 2026 – Golden Plains Festival, Wadawurrung Country/Meredith (SOLD OUT)
9 March 2026 – Womadelaide, Tarntanya/Adelaide
20 March 2026 – Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre, Walyalup/Fremantle (SOLD OUT – with Anna Schneider)
22 March 2026 – QPAC Presents On The Banks Series, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Sarah Blasko)
Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity